Stress and the immune system are interconnected
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August 23, 2021
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"Mind over matter" is more than just a phrase. There is a complicated relationship between stress and the immune system. When you are stressed about your work, family or finances, your immune system recognizes it. Because, the body's natural defender is sensitive to psychological stress, especially chronic stress.
What does the research say?
According to the American Psychological Association, stress can reduce the number of natural killer cells or lymphocytes in the body, which are needed to fight viruses.
When we are stressed, our brain sends defense signals to the endocrine system, then releases a slew of hormones that can severely depress our immunity. According to experts, stress is responsible for up to 90% of all diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Because, stress induces chemical reactions and floods the body with cortisol, which reduces inflammation, decreases white blood cells and NK cells (special cells that kill cancer), increases tumor development and growth, and increases the rate of infection and tissue damage.
Check it yourself
Ask yourself these questions and answer them honestly. If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it could be a sign that your body is reacting to stress and you should immediately act.
- Do you pick fights with your family, friends, or coworkers?
- Do you have a constant state of agitation?
- Is your stomach clenched?
- Are your sleeping patterns disrupted, with you sleeping too much or too little?
Hence, it is crucial to be aware of the simple daily stress in our lives.
Preventive Tips for Reducing Stress:
- Relaxation exercises
Specific relaxation exercises, such as meditation and yoga, can help to strengthen the connection between the mind and body. By incorporating them into our daily lives, they serve as a buffer against the breakdown of organ systems.
- Positive thinking
Evidence suggests that people who believe they are doing better and have a positive attitude perform better than those who are less optimistic. Because, anxiety, hostility, and other negative emotions also have an impact on our immune system, according to various research.
- Social support
Researchers discovered that people who have strong social support have better overall health and are more resistant to infection and disease. Changing our behavior can often break stress-inducing habits.
Wrap up
Stress has become an unavoidable part of everyday life. Though most people do not consider stress to be a serious issue, it has a wide-ranging impact on health. Acute stress weakens your immune system, opening the door to a variety of illnesses. However, the good news is that you can manage stress by using the methods listed above. Staying stress-free will automatically benefit your health.